Koeman favours experience

LONDON: Everton manager Ronald Koeman will continue to stick with his veteran firstteam players because the club’s academy graduates are not ready to make the step up into the Premier League.

For last weekend’s loss at Southampton, Koeman selected five players over 30 and only striker Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Ross Barkley were under 27.

“We have young players but when is it time for a young player? I don’t believe now because still they are not ready and the pressure is more on now than it was,” Koeman told British media.

Koeman recognises the need to reinvigorate his aging squad ahead of Manchester United’s visit on Sunday.